Peyton Manning: Why the Miami Dolphins Are a Perfect Fit

Before Gregg Williams' bounty program shook the sports media world, there were the Indianapolis Colts and Peyton Manning. Even after all is said and done and penalties have been dealt out by Commissioner Roger Goodell, there will still be the Indianapolis Colts, but there is a good chance that Peyton Manning will be elsewhere.

There has been speculation that QB Robert Griffin III may be suiting up in South Beach this season, but the Dolphins have very limited trade bait and are unlikely to make a serious play for him. Coming off a disappointing season where the passing offense ranked 23rd in terms of yards per game, the Miami Dolphins need to make an offer to Peyton Manning.

Manning, one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game, would flourish in Miami and could be exactly what the Dolphins need to make a return to the playoffs in 2012.

WR Brandon Marshall finished the 2011 season with 1,214 receiving yards and 81 receptions, good enough to best all but seven receivers in the entire NFL and make the Pro Bowl for the third time, where he caught six passes for 171 yards and four touchdowns.

The combination of Manning and Marshall alone would be enough to contend with the best of the AFC East, but they are also joined by the rushing attack of Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas. The Bush/Thomas combination rushed for just over 124 yards per game, more then the perennial playoff contender and division rival New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers and Super Bowl Champion New York Giants.

The Dolphins' defense also allowed fewer yards per game then those teams.

If the Miami Dolphins signed Manning this offseason, they would be introducing him to arguably the best team he has been able to play for in his entire career. The addition of Manning would take pressure off the defense, the running backs and even the coaching staff, as his cerebral style of play allows him to run the entire offense through four quarters of play.